Killer Mike
Michael
Release Date: Jun 16, 2023
Genre(s): Rap
Record label: Loma Vista
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Album Review: Michael by Killer Mike
Great, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating 4.5/5
The moniker Killer Mike conjures a lengthy list of descriptors: searing truth-teller, 2nd Amendment-advocate, activist, MC. On "Something for the Junkies," he trades those in for something more earthly, sinking into his role as a concerned, but understanding nephew. Coasting over emotive production from Don Cannon and No I.D., the former D-boy recounts a moment of lucidity from an aunt struggling with drug addiction: "She closed her eyes, fantasized 'bout better times/When she was beautiful, fine and still snorting lines/She told me stories of glory, the club saying Suzy/Atlanta night life was glamor, rich, Black, bougie." AD LOADING...
Based on rating 8/10
Back in June, Killer Mike released MICHAEL, the long awaited follow-up to R.A.P. Music, which was his career-making 2012 solo album, and the collaboration that led to Run the Jewels, his now decade-long, four-album (and counting) acclaimed collaboration with El-P. However, there are several notable differences. In that time, Run the Jewels have opened for Jack White and Mike has opened a barbershop, started a bank(!), and has also become a bit of a TV star as well, most notably appearing as himself on his 2019 Netflix show Trigger Warning with Killer Mike and his more recent appearance as himself on the Hulu series Dave.
Based on rating 2.9/5
oh my Killer Mike's sorta self-titled should have been a very interesting album (oh boy). First solo record by critically acclaimed artist in over a decade? Check ! A long overdue return to roots, both stylistic and thematic? Double Check ! ! Marketing suggestive of confessional, retrospective, all-beans-spilled extravaganza? Check, Check, A Thousand Times Check ! ! ! Can you tell where I'm going with this yet?!?!?! This soul/gospel textured follow up to 2012's excellent RAP Music and now inescapable EL-P collab project starts, to its credit, damn well. Bombastic baritone boogie bangers are to be found within opening duo "DOWN BY LAW" and "SHED TEARS": flows all over the shop, tight and aflame, exuding spirit and conviction and anger and joy, bountifully.
Opinion: Fantastic
Tags: Killer Mike, Reviews, Album Reviews.
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